A unique collaboration between environmental groups and refugee charities is transforming both lives and landscapes across the UK. Initiatives like Action Asylum are bringing asylum seekers, refugees, and local volunteers together to tackle pressing environmental challenges, from clearing invasive species to planting trees and restoring habitats.
One such project recently saw a group of asylum seekers, including Abdullah from Sudan, working alongside volunteers in Tŷ Mawr country park in North Wales. They were focused on removing invasive Himalayan balsam from the banks of the River Dee, an effort that not only benefits the local ecosystem but also offers participants a connection to the natural environment, a stark contrast to their often-challenging circumstances. This particular event was part of a series of quarterly climate action events, a partnership between Action Asylum, Asylum Link Merseyside, the North Wales Wildlife Trust, and the Dee Trust.
Action Asylum, a national project delivered by the Task Force Trust, has been facilitating environmental volunteering for asylum seekers and local residents since 2020. The organisation recently received a significant boost with £1.62 million in funding from the National Lottery’s climate action fund. This substantial investment will enable the charity to significantly expand its reach over the next three years, rolling out new environmental programmes and establishing projects in cities such as Sheffield, Newcastle, and Bolton, in addition to existing work in Leeds, Stockton-on-Tees, and Portsmouth.
During this expansion period, Action Asylum aims to engage more than 3,000 volunteers and coordinate 120 large-scale climate action events across England and Wales. Emma Leaper, Project Director at Action Asylum, highlighted the profound impact of these initiatives, stating that the funding will allow them to scale up their proven model of bringing people together in nature. She emphasised that for individuals seeking asylum, who often face significant barriers to inclusion, participating in nature recovery and climate resilience efforts can profoundly boost confidence and a sense of self.
The work undertaken by these groups extends beyond ecological benefits, fostering a strong sense of community and belonging. Jane, a refugee and lead ambassador for the initiative, articulated this sentiment, noting, 'When you plant a tree, it does not matter who you are or where you came from. Your hands are in the soil, and you belong to the planet as a human being. We don’t just plant trees. We plant belonging, and we plant purpose.' The projects also involve growing vegetables, providing practical skills and a connection to sustainable food production, offering a bittersweet reminder for some participants of the lives they left behind.